Jae Crowder does not fit the Cleveland Cavaliers culture

The Cleveland Cavaliers should avoid trading for Jae Crowder.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a question mark at small forward. There is some debate over who should start, with some suggesting Jae Crowder, and others, like ourselves, suggesting a more out-of-the-box idea to solve the problem. Regardless, the one thing every suggestion has in common is that the player is good for the team.

That idea goes out the window when we talk about Jae Crowder. Crowder is someone beloved by the NBA fanbase for his gritty style and willingness to do what needs to do regardless of ego. On the surface that seems great. Yet, Crowder is an inconsistent defender. Last year was the only year in his career where he really played great defense.

Offensively, he’s an albatross. Not to the degree of someone like Isaac Okoro but his value has never lived up to his perceived reputation.

The other issue stems from how he gets along with people in the locker room. We already did this song and dance before, and Crowder was deemed to be part of the problem in 2018 when the Cavs overhauled their roster by shipping out the malcontents in a flurry of moves. He clearly wasn’t helping things, otherwise, the Cavs wouldn’t have traded him so willingly.

Now it appears the Cavs want to bring him back. Joe Vardon from The Atheltic claims the Cavaliers have an interest in Crowder, saying;

"If, however, you prefer to make the case that the Cavs are one player away from serious championship contention, the evidence is at the small forward spot. It’s why Cleveland is said to have interest in trading for Jae Crowder from the Suns, who is available and is a proven 3-and-D big body who could bang against the Kevin Durants and Jimmy Butlers and Jayson Tatums of the East."

The Cleveland Cavaliers can’t afford to trade for Jae Crowder

Crowder, defensively, is a bruiser. He’ll throw his body at whoever is in front of him but as far as locking other scorers down, that’s not his forte. If he were to come in via free agency on an inexpensive deal, sure, but offensively he isn’t as good as most of the Cavaliers’ options, and defensively he’s a minor upgrade at best.

Trading for him will only open the Cavs up to another contentious outing with him, as well as limiting any potential future moves. The Cavs can’t afford to just trade for Crowder if they aren’t sure he’s the final missing piece.

If another wing, like Andrew Wiggins or even Jimmy Butler, were to come available, then the Cavs would’ve handcuffed themselves to the least attractive options. Yes, it’s unlikely Wiggins or Butler get traded this season, but you never know who will hit the trade market and when.

That’s why it’s better to go with the guys you have, as opposed to making a mostly lateral move to get the aging Crowder.